This month’s Readers Photo Challenge is about change.
Specifically, Autumn’s seasonal change of colors.
According to ThoughtCo.com, the shortening of days heralds the coming of fall. The lessening of sunlight is a signal to trees to shut down the production of chlorophyll, which gives leaves green color. As the chlorophyll wanes, the leaves turn to their underlying colors which were masked by the green.
If you’re lucky enough to be able to travel to the east coast to places like New England, Aspen, Colorado or Shenandoah National Park in Virgina then spectacular color can be easily found.
Closer to home the foothills of the Mother Lode or a little farther out the Sierra Mountains should provide some excellent color as well. But fall color can be as close as your own neighborhood or backyard depending on the type of trees and plants you have growing there.
Try to avoid front lighting. It can make the leaves look a little dull and washed out.
Side light is a little better but the best light tends to be backlighting. Leaves are paper thin and the light shining through them can make them almost glow, intensifying their colors. If you can, try to combine it with a dark background. This will make the leaves and their color pop out even more.